Jesus’ Lineage

From the Artist

Digital Painting by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman

Read Matthew 1:1-17

As I began this piece, I was inspired by the composition and movement of the From Generation to Generation… logo. In this image, I chose to represent Christ using a rose at the center of the composition.The women mentioned in the genealogy are imaged as foundational leaves building and upholding Christ. All of the women are looking at the viewer and holding objects to represent the fact that they took their life and survival into their own hands. They were catalysts who propelled the lineage forward.

In the bottom left, Tamar holds her father-in-law’s insignia, which represents how she assumes his role as the leader of the tribe of Judah and continues its lineage. Moving counterclockwise, Rahab holds the red cord which she lowered to ensure the safety of her family after supplying Israelite spies enough information to achieve victory in Jericho. Next, Ruth holds the wheat that she gleaned from the field. She knows that she must marry again in order to be protected, and so she takes initiative with Boaz. Next is Bathesheba. Her name isn’t even mentioned in Christ’s genealogy; she is referred to as the “wife of Uriah.” She withstands abuse from King David, survives the murder of her husband, and ensures that her son Solomon takes the throne. She takes matters into her own hands, becoming, as scholar Dr. Wil Gafney writes, “the queen mother of the united monarchy of Israel.” Finally, there is Mary who looks adoringly at the rose which represents her son. Here she holds the love and pride of a beautiful lineage that leads to the birth of her son, the Messiah.

These women only wanted to ensure safety for themselves and for their children; in the process they ensured the continuation of the lineage of Christ. Without their brilliance, passion, ingenuity, resourcefulness, creativity, and sacrifice, the lineage would have ended.

Pray

Breathe deeply as you gaze upon the image on the left. Imagine placing yourself in this scene. What do you see? How do you feel? Get quiet and still, offering a silent or spoken prayer to God.

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FILM & FAITH: FAMILY ADVENT DEVOTION

Choose a movie from the list provided on the back.

Pop some popcorn, heat some hot chocolate and enjoy some time together.

After the movie, don’t run or rush to bed…enjoy a family discussion!

Here are some questions that help your time together:

1. What did you like about the movie?
2. What did you dislike about the movie?
3. What emotions did you feel during the movie?
4. Who was the hero?  What did you think about them?
5. Who was the villain? What did you think about them?
6. Where does this story meet your story?
7. What meaning of Christmas is emphasized?
8. How can we express this Christmas theme personally and as a family?

Christmas Movies to Choose From:

It’s a Wonderful Life
A Miracle of 34^th Street
Christmas Angel
The Ultimate Gift
Unlikely Angel
A Christmas Wish
Muppet Christmas Carol
Frosty the Snowman
The Grinch that Stole Christmas
The Star
The Nativity Story
The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
The Christmas Chronicles
The Santa Clause
A Charlie Brown Christmas
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Klaus
Elf
Home Alone
A Christmas Story